Wow it has been hot again in Minneasota.  We are using more fans along with air conditioning to keep cool.  I thought you would get a kick out of seeing this one of Emma.  She loves having a fan to help her cool also.  Another hot day.  98 yesterday and even with air-conditioning my house is not as cool as I would like it to be.  We keep windows covered when the sun is hitting them.  Makes me feel shut in though.   Emma is impressing home health care workers with her retrieval and other skills.  She deserves this rest as it was a busy day here.  I treasure her so much.  Hope you are staying cool if in MN or a hot area.  Yes I know other areas of the country are cooler in summer and nicer in winter but i am not moving.  My roots are here,  my grandchildren are here,  and my medical team and family of course.  We are hanging in there.   Emma you are the best.   Mary

Hi in the wee morning hours,

Dear Emma,

I love this picture of you with one of my granddaughters Rosa.  She loves you but I think at the moment this taken you were also a bit jealous of her.  That happens when she first arrives.  Then it all works out plus you are a bit jealous when she sleeps with us in my bed.  Or out bed. Even with Greg in other room Rosa likes to sleep so close to me and you seem to want to be closer than normal also.
Yet it works out.  She likes to help me take you out,  to pet you.  To toss you a toy and since she has her own dog too is very good with them.   When she left after an overnight on Friday she said "Emma take care of Grandma now while I am gone".  she and all the family know how important you are to me.

The home health care know you too.  Since there are stairs they call me when they arrive and then walk in.  You don't bark or anything when I say it is okay.   You are so cute showing off.  You always quick retrieve something to show off your skill.  Today you got a wash cloth and parading around for them to see .  Then you bring it to me and obediently go lay down in your bed in view of what is going on for sure.  They are impressed when they see you retrieve or something for me while they are here. So fun to show you off.
Today you handled the oxygen person who refills tank,  a nurse visit,  and a team of occupational therapists who came.  Thanks so much for that Emma.

The only thing you did today remarkable other than above was throw up.  No photo there ha ha.  Please stay well Emma ,  I worry as you age.  You rarely ever throw up for me and so i worry but you seem fine.  No idea why or anything.  Thanks Emma for being the greatest dog ever.  Our doggie friend Molly may come for a visit tomorrow and that would be nice.  Depends on how the day goes for my friend LuAnn.  Would be fun for both of us to have early evening visitor if that works for her.

Love you so much  Emma,

A nebulizer treatment and we are back to bed.      Mary

Dear Emma,

It has been so quiet around here due to my cold virus or whatever this is.
Ha ha I barely have any voice but you know what I need ha ha.
Tried to load a picture not sure why it wouldn't work.
Very warm here so Greg is taking you out for only short periods in the day.
You don't seem to mind our naps and great air conditioning in our home.

Our home seems more homey when Greg is here all day with us!  i think you would agree.
He even bought you your favorite treats but photo wouldn't work.
We are listening to an Audiobooks and so funny how nice that is when I rest
but also that you seem to be alert to the voices before you dose off next to me too.

Happy 4th of July Week to All...

Trying to do photos almost every day...will add later

Dear Emma,
Gosh is it hot!  Even you did not end up outside long with me.  We both came in panting like we had exercised.  Oh my goodness.  I think hot tomorrow also.
Thank you for how well you are handling the visitors that come in for home healthcare.  Funny in just a few visits you seem to remember the people who enter.  Will be a few more weeks I think.
One issue is to see if you can help me a bit more with dressing.
Helping Paws will get a call to remind me how to do this on my bad days.  Still when I can will have Greg help too.

You are fun Emma.
I found some toys we haven't used for awhile and that was fun for both of us.
Throwing a toy for you to fetch, petting you,  is again a form of therapy for my arm use.  They are weaker again.
What a great way to exercise my arms and it is fun for both of us.  what a jewel you are.

My niece Joni lost her dog Annie who was only age 7 and looks almost identical to you.
I cried for her when she told me via the internet about how hard that was for her family.
She reminded me to give you extra TLC and of course I did.
How fragile life can be I am learning again this year for people and for pets dog.
Of course you are more than a pet - you are truly a beloved friends,  partner,  who loves me unconditionally.
Thanks for how you enrich my life.

Tomorrow we head out to a Dr appt that has to be out of house though it will be hot.
Metromobility will take us.  So we will get out of the house though boy it will be hot again.

YOu have never been much to want to use a pool I have for you.
Sometime soon a friend of mine and her dog Molly will come over.
Molly is a Golden and loves the pool.   We are wondering if with her example you will like it or not?
You do like lakes but I don't get there often and not this summer at all I think.

Thankyou Emma for all you do for me.
I bet you can help more with dressing but I never needed it.
We will see though often Greg can help me...still fun to see things you show me you can do.
Even now you amaze me as you are doing things you knew and yet I didn't need.
I think saying you can't teach an old dog new tricks is incorrect.

You never forgot all you knew.  Just I have ha ha.
Cognitive therapy helping me also.
Love you Emma.   Mary

Sunday,

Dear Emma,
Isn't it fun to have Rosa over Emma.  It was fun to sleep with her and you overnight.  I am glad Greg was here though.  We just went outside.  You keep moving so we don't have a great picture of the two of you.   I will be down for nap by noon.  Grandpa will play with Rosa.  Emma will you need a nap with me?  Or time with them?  Or a bit of both.  Hope this video works and I save it.  We all love Rosa so much.  She made this all by herself at age 5 with my iPhone!  Amazing.  She said to save it for when I am not feeling good and miss her.  Emma it was so cute how you cuddled up with her and with me too.

It is warm out and Emma you didn't want to be outside long in the fenced yard.  I think too sunny.  Thanks for helping me pick up a few things.  Mostly you can relax a bit with Rosa here to help also and Greg.  A big nap for me (us?) this afternoon.

See if this works.  

Dear Emma,

It is Friday - yeah.  So funny even though I haven't worked for 12 years I like the weekend also.  I guess because others are off or more available.   Thanks for being so great today.  Wasn't it fun to watch Charlie who was one years old to play today.  You like children.  We both slept better so being outside was easier too.  Thanks Emma for being attentive. You are so cute.  Greg was going to take you with on an errand so you would get some exercise in an air-conditioned store.  But I was with someone unfamiliar to you,  a physical therapist here and you would not go.  Not at all.  Secretly I am glad you stayed anyway.  Love cuddling with you when we are alone.  Thanks Emma for being there night and day.  Let's hope we both sleep tonight also.   Love you Mary

Photo is of your great bed.  Boy are you fortunate.  We want you comfortable.

Dear Emma,

 The graduation pictures from October 2005

We both had darker hair,

I was skinnier,  both of us younger.

Now you and I are wiser,  calmer

more in a rhythm with 

each other.

Thanks for this gentle day.

You were awesome as they came for home health care

You greet those at the door with a toy

To show off how well you retrieve.

Only dog lovers allowed to care for me.

For us.

You then so nicely wait and watch

You know just the spot where you don't loose track of me

Right there almost dozing if you get comfortable

But eyes read to open in an instant

in case I need anything.

I assure you with the professionals

and a wonderful friend from Church

that now is familiar to you,

that all is okay as they enter.

Yet even as they care for me

Or visit with me

You are right there ready and able to help.

They all admire you.

Oops and today yes we educated one more

nurse about what a service dog can do.

They leave and you are eager to be alone with me

We had some relaxing times outside

But also indoors.

Both tired since I didn't sleep well last night.

Time for bed my angel,   time to cuddle up again with me

Sometimes I get lonely but then often I am not.

I have you

Somehow in all you taught me

You have also taught me to be more at peace 

with myself,  

with my limitations and abilities.

I am blessed as you make just every day easier.

I promise tomorrow you will likely have more time outdoors.

Greg might be home early.

Physical therapist coming.

A young friend and her one year old.

And like every day you will make it awesome.

Thank you God for Emma

A special Birthday wish to Katie Michurski

She is 19 and cared for you in your first home.

I think of the cuddles she gave you

the play time and love of that home.

There love touched you and now through you touches me.

Isn't it wonderful how life works out...

I love you Emma,   Mary

Dear Emma,

What an awesome gift you are to me.
Today we went to the dr about my diabetes.
I was recalling how afraid she was of you at first.  She had not grown up with dogs.
Well at first she just couldn't get over her fear even though she had known me a few years or more.
So her nurse happily kept you with her.  As my husband and I go together.
i need that extra set of ears.
then she saw how calm you were and invited you in.
I would have you lay so peacefully on your blanket in the room.
you know those rooms are not big though.

Over time she was more at ease.
Also she is delightful and besides being a skilled specialist,  we would talk of out families also
This occurred before I had you and was still teaching.

Here we are Emma and I have had you,  am I counting correct?
Over 7.5 years?????  And now the Dr.  asks if she can pet you.
I agree and then you lay down in the same spot you have for all those years.
And you are so calm.  You help me stay calm.  You help me in so many ways.

Nope we didn't convince her to let her children get a pet dog she says.
The neighbors dog has also become her friend and she greets him she says.
Amazing the difference you make...

Today a kind woman had to push me in the wheelchair to the elevator and main door.
She had an Aunt with MS so even there in my need
You were an ambassador for Helping Paws and we educated about service dogs.
Perhaps her Aunt will inquire about getting a service dog she thought.
Again you were a star.
You showed how you answer what I say and no just how to move
So we don't get tangled leash and wheel chair
Plus now we have oxygen to deal with.
You never cease to amaze me.

I don't think i take for granted your skills in public
At home I am so use to what you do that when people ask I have to think of what to mention.
We can talk about those skills later.

What I do want to thank you for is the unexpected way you help more and more each day
As I am lossing abilities due to MS and other problems health related
Your comfort,  your presence since we are home more mean so much
Your wonderful morning hellos
Your my reason to remember to peak outside and enjoy the weather
You amuse me as I watch you play in the yard.
You comfort me and calm me as you snore as you snuggle close to me for naps.

We have a link and bond Emma
You snuggle so much closer just when I need it most
Greg,  my husband says he can tell how I am feeling by how close you are laying next to me.
There is no human person who can be with me 24/7
Yet you are my angel that is there,  guarding me with love and embracing me with your calm presence
You give me energy to be hopefully after all you need me as much as I need you.
I love caring for you,  feeding you, petting you,  and
let's keep it between you and me how much I talk to you.
I love how your facial reactions to my words and life situations.

And like all nights you are at my side now
An odd timed long long nap due to that Dr appointment
And struggles with pain have me up as the house here slumbers.
Yet you get up with me,  you tuck your body over my feet to keep me warm.
Not sure why the chills tonight with no fever

Home care comes tomorrow.  A nurse will visit.
You will be at my side.
Let's go my dear Emma and snuggle into bed again.
You will be at my feet since at night time we share that bed with Greg.
He loves you dearly too.
I will feel your breathing in and out gently.
I may hear you dream or snore.
I will feel the warmth of your physical presence in the bed
And be warmed by the love I have for you tucked in a special place in my heart.

God bless you Emma and give you a long life...my dear dear angel.
God bless Judy, Eileen, Sue,  the Michurski family,  Rosie and so many more
Who helped bring you into my life.

Mary

My Life With Emma continues to bring JOY

Hello,
I am back.  I mean WE are back. I am going to attempt to blog more about Emma and our life together.  It has been a tough year but on to positive steps.  Blogging here again is one joy I am adding to my life.  Please pass the word.  Or maybe I will write to no one.  Writing is good for me.  Emma brings me topics about life...so watch.  I intend to take some pictures today today.  Oops I better get outside quick before it gets too hot and humid.  Well I don't do anything quick - but you know what I mean.

They changed how to post etc so you may find it takes me a bit to learn how to use the bells and whistles.  Yes you have permission to link my blog to yours.

Mary and Emma

Emma is My Treasure - now more than ever

Dear Emma,
I don't really know how to share with you how much you mean to me.
I am so grateful to have you in my life.
You make my days easier.
You help me be more independent.
You show me such affection.
You bring a special kind of fun into my life.
You make me feel more secure and safe.
You accept me as i am.
You are my dear companion 24/7
You need me to take care of you two.

We're a team Emma.
I no longer face this illness alone.
When my husband goes to work,
As my children venture into adulthood
and new chapters in their lives,
I have you to share the moments of my days.

Helping Paws and Judy
they nurtured and supported you.
Thanks to all of you for your love support and patience.

Emma you are a small miracle in my life.
You bring me so much happiness and hope.
Happy Belated Birthday Emma
(I wrote this when you were three years old)
Now you are nine years old.

I treasure you more each passing day.
I promise to give you the care you need.
I can't imagine my life without you.

Thanks Emma!!!

Moral support visits

Emma and I are both enjoying some visitors lately. Today a woman who helps with cleaning came. A woman from our church also brought a dinner. A welcome break in the day and some nice conversation.

The weather is warm but still some snow for Emma to play in. Boy does she enjoy that. IT is so enjoyable to watch her play, fetch toys and explore the yard. There must be interesting smells as she has a routine to walk the perieter of the fence line, Then sniff under a pine tree that is in the fence. There is a tree line just outside the fence in the far back so I be she smells critters. We do see rabbits and squirrels at times. In our front yard we see tracks that might be deer or fox. I am not good at determining which and not out daily. Plus with only a bit of snow and then sun melting some of it = well I just can't figure it out.

Emma really likes any treat with ginger or peanut butter. Yes normally it is for sure a doggy treat and I watch how many to keep her weight steady. Too bad she doesn't do the same for me. We were out though and had some very think boxed ginger cookies almost crackers. We would break in half and as a special treat now and then would give her one. She was estatic. Yes we stick to doggy food but once in awhile a carefully selected treat seems to be okay.

A funny thing, yesterday MOnday i had a more challenging day. So tired, hard to breathe so I use the bipap machine which is normally by my bed. Sometimes I move to by my chair but it isn't easy to do if weak. So we had been up a bit and I was in bed just dosing. Someone knocked on the door and Emma only put her head up let out a weak bark and since I didn't get up neither did she. Normally she would run to the door. Well turns out someone was delivering food. They called by cell phone and I was so weak I hadn't picked it up. Once in awhile that is the case. Well I got the message and we got the food - but it was so unusual that Emma ignored it and laid in bed with me. She is now 9 but anyway very rare.

Today she was her perky self. I dropped one of those tins you hold christmas cookies in and couldnot pick it up. Emma loved the effort like it was a toy but also did not get it picked up . There was nothing for her to grab on to. Well a friend to the recipe so that worked out.

No other big news. We are liking short visits. No dr appointments till Thursday this week. No photos today. Time to get ready for bed already. Thanks for all the support. Love from Emma and Mary

Can't Wait till Majestic Shores - MS Camp to Me

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The name is now Majestic Shores Resort but I knew it once as MS Camp. Certainly the highlight of my year with MS friends. You feel normal there. Scooters, walkers, canes all are the norm and wheelchairs. You don't have to explain, they see you not the assistance devise. The scenic Camp Courage run by Courage Center on the shore of a lake with wooded areas to is so wonderful Certainly majestic. The laughter, the fun, the reunions with friends who share this crazy disease, the volunteers who come back many over 25 years --- well it is great fun. Something I look forward to. These are just a few pictures.

There are campfires, activities, boat rides, indoor swimming pool, board games, costume contests, dances, and so much more. So yes I am thinking of that today. We had nice weather and now with February almost here -- my thoughts are spring. Though we kind of skipped winter in many ways.

Emma really was great today. Some girlfriends visited. Both dog lovers and she was so comfortable (Emma) that she just snore away. She helped pick up before they came - well actually she picked up not me. She napped with me once they left. She even spoiled me by waiting an extra hour before waking me to eat her dinner. That a big surprise. We had a nice day.

Emma is learning to do a few more things. Skills she uses but now in different ways. She never had a "gentle mouth" so I never had her pick up pill bottles. She could crack them. Yet lately she has picked up those and other more fragile items with ease. I just repeat gentle and that seems to work. But oh she loves a good challenge so picking up keys, something hard to grab is so fun. Or i bumped off the counter an empty tin can rinsed and headed for the recyle bin. It was tuna and flipped so hard to grab. Well it was like a toy she had such fun trying to get it. then would get it so excited and drop it and start over. Yes it did get put in the recyles. She can of course "put" items there for me.

My mind is blank but there were some unique things this week we wanted her to pick up and yes she loved it. She also is great at taking laundry out of basket and handing it to me so i can put in washer. She always can take out of dryer of course. I really can't bend without being dizzy, but once in awhile I do of necessity put a few items in washer. Greg is handling this a lot though. Well she just is so proud. Than I had to unload washer and handed items to her one at a time to put in the dryer and she got the hang of that too. No surprise she is smart but finding I can ask more of her than ever now.

Still chuckle at Dr appointment my friend reaches for blanket Emma likes on so I don't have to pick it up. Well of course Emma can do this fine. Even in her youth though she was more than willing to let others do it if they wish. Dropping the leash is a big one that others goofed up. In public panic if they see you accidentally drop leash and grag it. Well Miss Emma can do it. On some thngs now she will stop to look and see if the humans in the room will do a task before she does it. Alone with me she will do it all the time. It sure gave the Dr a chuckle.

Saturday my son and granddaughters were here. While watching a movie I realized how close Rosa was snuggled up to Emma and just stroking her so gently. So cute and just came natural. You can imagine how much Emma loves that. Also both girls more than willing to take Emma out into the fenced yard to spare me some footsteps. Though if Emma is worried about me she will just stand outside that patio door wanting to come back in. She has my back all the time that is for darn sure.

I know I needed her to pick up a baggie. Well certain textures not her thing mouth wise. And this was small but yes she got it to me without ripping it to shreds or anything. My friends today also acknowledged how much help she is to me now more than ever.

She is 9 now and it is interesting as my body is slowing down so is hers. I hope things improve for me of course but I think as she ages she will be glad for my quieter life style. Though people say she is as enthusiastic as a puppy for sure. The Vet said she was in great shape. She certainly is a dear to me.

A new issue is if we go to medical appointments who drives me. I for now am not using Metro Mobility until I am stronger or have no choice. I benefit from the help of friends, and even visiting with them when they drive me to appointments and am a bit spoiled in that regard. Well most times Emma goes. So need room for Emma and I and a walker or transport wheel chair. That takes some room especially as one friend sometimes grocery shops while I am at an appointment. Well then some of my MS friends also use walkers themselves. So though they kindly volunteer must examine does their car have room for two walker and Emma? Most times it works out.

I still have a few people who will not allow Emma in their car even if I bring a big sheet or anything. Not even now when I think it is even more obvious that I need her help. The difficulty with one person is she has no concept of why anyone would have a pet and no appreciation for a service dog. On an emergency she let Emma go in her car once and I had huge sheet. She complained and complained it got some hair in her car. She wonders why I dont' have her drive me places but the reason is obvious. I mention not to judge here and sorry it sounds that way but to appreciate that most of my friends go out of their way for Emma even those who are not big dog lovers. Also I don't mind if they simply say no dog in the car but I don't need to be told that over and over again like I am too stupid to know that is there rule.

We go to Rochester Mayo Clinic for their viewpoint on my situation in February. Emma will go with. Greg can't go the first day so another ride down is needed. The issue is who has time and room for my walker, dog, luggage, my daughter, and whatever they need for mobility. We have it worked out with a few options though so that is good. Greg will then join us and bring us home if all goes as planned. Not sure if it will be a few days or longer. I think I have someone to stay at my house while gone or Greg will be here so that is good. Maybe I will feel better and not need to go????

Probably will go no matter what as it is all arranged.

Saw cute saying on facebook something like this - I Try to Take It One Day at A Time but sometimes the days gang up on Me.

Wow this got long. Hmm bet you aren't surprised. Can you tell I wanted to be a writer?

Love from Mary and Emma
Hope you have a good weekk.

Confusion

I am so confused!! Looks like some other posts I made did not come through. I normally check after i compose them. Maybe i am simply loosing my mind? Some othe mixups tjis week also - ugh!

Emma is getting so skilled in Drs office visits. We had several this week. This morning again. Now an MRI for my back this afternoon. Like i needed one more issue?! Emma and Greg are keeping the ship afloat for me. Emma is however a blanket ho g! When in bed with me she seems to get nost of the blankets! I will try to write more later. A quick rest before the second medical appointment of the day!

Mary

A Look Back at my first time celebrating her birthday

Happy Birthday Emma - Three Years Old!!


Happy Birthday Emma

Happy Birthday Emma

Dear Emma,
I don’t know how to share with you as a dog – how much you mean so much to me.
I know it is good for me to write this.
I want to acknowledge how grateful I am to have you in my life.

You make my days easier to deal with
You help me do chores
You help me be more independent
You help me by sharing so willingly your affection
You brought a special kind of fun in my life
You give me a reason to get outdoors
You make me feel more secure and safe
You accept me as I am

You are my dear companion
I knew I would like having a service dog.
I certainly did not know how quickly you would become so dear to me.
I did not realize the reality of how much you could help me.
You are there 24/7
I literally don’t take a step without you noticing
You look to me for instruction, affection, and to play
You need me to feed you, get you exercise, get you outside, and
I think like the sense of belong as much as I do

We are a team Emma.
I don’t know if you or any human can understand the depth of what that means to me.
I no longer face this illness alone
I have a helper every minute of every day
Even while my husband has to go to work or tend to things
Even while my children venture into adulthood and new chapters of their life
I have you to share the moments of my day
I have you even on days when I can’t do much due to health
I have you when I want to go out in public – you assist me
I have you to share my day
That means a lot to me.

You didn’t just come into my life.
Others took a lot of time to train, nurture, and support you
You grew to be a service dog – because of Judy and her family
You learned from her patience and persistence
You both learned from instructors
Your ability to even be available to me was a direct result
of the help of those who support Helping Paws

You have litter mates who also are helping dogs
So many people work together to make our partnership possible

At the risk of being over dramatic
This is like a small miracle in my life
You bring so much happiness and hope
You make me want to go out of my home
I don’t have to ask others for help as much
You and I can handle some things together
You mean so much to me.

Happy Birthday Emma
Three years old!!
I treasure you and promise to give you the care you need
You are so wonderful
I am so teary writing this.
I can't imagine life without you.

Thanks to Judy especially, and to all who brought Emma this far
Mary

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMMA !!

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Dear Emma,
Happy Birthday today. It was so fun you woke up in a special place today. Rosa was so excited. There you were in her "tent" made of chairs and big blankets. She had made sure your bed was in there. Cozy and fun way to start the day we hope. No big party today, just a wonderful day together. I know you understand more than other people must think. I think you understand the emotional struggles right now more than anyone else knows. I hope you know how much I love you. I hope you know how much I love both the quiet times we snuggle and the active times when you play. I love how you help me with your physical abilities. I never imagined how you help me emotionally. You wake me with enthusiasm and oh how you help me work to make each day a good one.

I love you Emma. I can't stop crying thinking how God blessed me with you as an Angel.
Mary

Dear Mary,
You thank me but gosh I love those naps in your warm cozy bed. I really like that many times you don't sit in the recliner because I would rather have you sit on the sofa so I can be next to you. Do you notice I am working on that issue? Now you tell me you need legs up and all that stuff. Thanks for trying to find a way that I can still be so physically close. I love you too. You use words, I use licks and kisses. But more than that I hope you see how attentive I am to you. I am a mess as Greg tells you if you are gone too long. I think our feelings our mutual.

Emma


And sometimes pictures are worth more than words so I added some of my favorites...

One of my favorite photos. No one positioned those toys for her. Rosa had been her so perhaps they were on the couch and she snuggled around them? But gently wrapping her arm across Minnie Mouse is her idea.

Wow the post was wordy - took a while to write ha ha. Remember I am home a lot. Always wanted to be a write. Maybe I need an editor to be more concise? Hmm not all will be so long I would guess.

A Six Year Partnership - Life with an older Service Dog

I will try to email and please forward to any dog fans that I am going to try to write as I can on this blog again. A new tool is that with my arm weakness I can still dictate, sometimes type, or a combo of the two. Finding the dictation does not always recognize with accuracy the words I say so excuse sill remarks. I will try to correct by typing but sometimes no strength to do that. Or when I select to indeed compose with me using the keyboard you will find typos due to tremor, fatigue or other issues.

Please pass the word. I can actually look up the statistics on how many viewing but am not going to let numbers be the goal. There are just amazing things Emma does for me now as my health has declined. I want to see things with her with a sense of humor also So share I will. My goal is once a week or it may be more. Who knows I can't do much do to limb weakness. I am shut in so this will be good for me. And an invitation to those who wish to follow.

I will still keep up the caringbridge.org site with website of my name Maryweinand. However will keep them more about the medical end of things. I think now I have to take times to choose to not focus on abilities, disabilities, or medical appointments etc and just feel more normal...if that makes any sense to you.

I wish I had a blog where you can sign up and get email alerts when things are posted. However, I decided I would rather not start another blog at another address. Will see how this goes. When I first started this yes over 6 years ago someone asked me well "who would want to read it" Well we have had readers. NOW I can offer you the perspective of living with an older service dog and the team we have become

We were blessed with only a bit of snow today. How funny. The first year I pay for snow removal. You pay montly in advance. Rates seemed reasonable and the trusted man who does are yard care. Only it has not plowed even once enough for him to plow and shovel. Okay I live in MN where November snow is not uncommon. We would have over 50 inches by now. Well this year not sure total but never eve n two in my yard.

Well this is an issue for Miss Emma. She loves the snow. Her enthusiasm is so cute as she tries to plow through the head in the snow even with so little. We try to be sure balls are tossed to her or toys but even that is not met with as much enthusiasm as a good snow fall would be. Sorry about that Emma. These pictures are from years past.

Emma has done a lot for me. One day I will repeat on here in case you missed it on caring bridge the list of ways she helps now. I will keep this more day to day. Like I have in past.

Emma wil be 9 on MONDAY - yes we better celebrate in some way or another. She is changing. It happened gradually but those who have not seen her for awhile see that she is getting whiter in the face. Enjoys a bit longer naps with me. If i say (rare) she needs to stay home and say go ahead take a nap. Well she seems to almost smile and go jump on her bed or mine. Yet in no way do I worry she will need to retire at age 10. Not with our quiet life style.

I do think she can for sure read my mind even more than ever now. I am certain. She could get me a blanket since her youth but now I don't have to ask. Last night I lost my pillow and she got it off the floor for me too. I need a lot to position my limbs in bed or in a chair these days.

One day I think I looked weary and she searched like mad for things to pick up. Not hard some days. She found socks, a newspaper, a towel and things in various rooms. Now Emma always will pick things up for me when asked but usually I need to or Greg needs to be in the room we are asking about or in eye shot at least. I have heard of helping service dogs who drag many things to owners like purses etc from various rooms as they love the task but that was not Emma. Eager to help for sure but not looking for it in other rooms unless asked I guess.

Rosa is coming today one of my grandchildren. Well she loves a sleeping bag. She left it on Emmas bed which is truly like a mini sized crib matress that is on the floor. Nothing but the best for Emma thanks to a friend and yes it is orthepedic no more simple pillow beds for her - no siree. Well Rosa kind of liked that sleeping bag so has used it on her bed for awhile. Still haven't captured a picture but priceless. Not ever dog gets both a matress and a much loved sleeping bag. Hoping Rosa is ready to now or soon step up to the next size sleep bag as she is getting taller now.

So this seems so good for my spirits and keeping my spirtis up is very good both now and always. Will post some pictures and see if Greg maybe has some new ones to add? Nor sure. With so much going on we haven't exactly taken tons of photos here.

So hurray. Check as you wish but my first goal is weekly. may be more often but who knows. Helping Paws had to great sets of puppies this past December. Think of how they will change lives of others just as Emma has changed both mine and ours...will leave that topic for another day. have a great day.

Ha ha I actually have a timer and have to alternate doing things even sitting and typing and resting doing nothing. I write in bits and pieces so it may be choppy...

Mary And Emma a wonder service dog team....